Access to Justice

Criminal pre-trial conferences (PTCs) and criminal case disclosure conferences (CCDCs) were identified as appropriate candidates for asynchronous hearings. This involves the asynchronous receipt of parties’ applications and requests for directions, approval of applications, issuance of directions, and fixing of matters on the Integrated Case Management System, without requiring the attendance of parties. It allows for a more efficient disposal of such matters, saving time and resources for both parties and the State Courts. It also frees up PTC judges to devote more attention to active case management of more complex matters.

A pilot programme involving selected cases handled by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Criminal Legal Aid Scheme Fellows has been launched to gather data and feedback on the use of asynchronous hearings for criminal PTCs and CCDCs. This will enable the State Courts to understand the required process overhauls and technical enhancements before a full-scale launch is implemented.